Display device

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first substrate including a display area, a terminal area, a first side and a third side, and a second substrate opposed to the first substrate and including a fifth side and a seventh side. The terminal area is sandwiched between the third side and the seventh side. The first substrate includes a first round corner between the first side and the third side. The second substrate includes a third round corner between the fifth side and the seventh side. A radius of curvature of the third round corner is smaller than a radius of curvature of the first round corner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2017-115382, filed Jun. 12, 2017, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device.

BACKGROUND

A display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an organicelectroluminescent display device includes a display area where pixelsare aligned and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, andperipheral circuits for driving the pixels are disposed in theperipheral area.

Recently, various technologies of narrowing a frame of the displaydevice have been reviewed. To implement narrowing the frame of thedisplay device, a layout of the peripheral circuits needs to beoptimized and the peripheral area needs to be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a displaydevice according to one of embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a displaydevice in relation to a touch detecting function.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel seen alongline in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the peripheralcircuits close to a corner portion of the display panel.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a commonelectrode shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing parts of the display deviceseen along line VI-VI in FIG. 2, illustrating a terminal area, and thelike.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing scanning lines and buffer circuits.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the display panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a display device, comprising: afirst substrate including a display area, a terminal area locatedoutside the display area, a first side extending in a first direction,and a third side extending in a second direction intersecting the firstdirection; and a second substrate opposed to the first substrate andincluding a fifth side extending along the first side and a seventh sideextending in the second direction, wherein the terminal area issandwiched between the third side and the seventh side, the firstsubstrate includes a first round corner between the first side and thethird side, the second substrate includes a third round corner betweenthe fifth side and the seventh side, and a radius of curvature of thethird round corner is smaller than a radius of curvature of the firstround corner.

According to another embodiment, a display device, comprising: a firstsubstrate including a display area, a terminal area located outside thedisplay area, and four sides; and a second substrate being opposed tothe first substrate and including four sides, wherein the firstsubstrate includes a first curved portion between linear portions ofadjacent two sides, the second substrate includes a third curved portionbetween linear portions of adjacent two sides, one of the linearportions of the first substrate overlaps one of the linear portions ofthe second substrate, the terminal area is located between the otherlinear portion of the first substrate and the other linear portion ofthe second substrate, and the third curved portion is shorter than thefirst curved portion.

Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and properchanges in keeping with the spirit of the invention, which are easilyconceivable by a person of ordinary skill in the art, come within thescope of the invention as a matter of course. To more clarify theexplanations, the drawings may pictorially show width, thickness, shapeand the like of each portion as compared with actual embodiments, butthey are mere examples and do not restrict the interpretation of theinvention. Furthermore, in the description and figures of the presentapplication, structural elements having the same or similar functionswill be referred to by the same reference numbers and detailedexplanations of them that are considered redundant may be omitted.

In the embodiments, a liquid crystal display device comprising a touchdetecting function will be explained as an example of the displaydevice. The liquid crystal display device can be used for, for example,various devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobiletelephone terminal, a notebook computer, a vehicle-mounted device, and agame console. The major configuration disclosed in the embodiments canalso be applied to a self-luminous display device such as an organicelectroluminescent display device, an electronic paper display devicecomprising an electrophoretic element, a display device employing themicro-electromechanical system (MEMS), a display device employing theelectrochromism, and the like. The configuration concerning the imagedisplay disclosed in the embodiments can also be applied to a displaydevice which does not comprise the touch detecting function.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a displaydevice DSP according to the embodiments. In the drawing, a firstdirection X and a second direction Y intersect each other, and a thirddirection Z intersects the first direction X and the second direction Y.For example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and thethird direction Z are orthogonal to each other but may intersect at anangle other than ninety degrees. In the present specification, adirection forwarding a tip of an arrow indicating the third direction Zis called an upward direction (or, more simply, upwardly) and adirection forwarding oppositely from the tip of the arrow is called adownward direction (or, more simply, downwardly).

The display device DSP comprises a display panel PNL, a circuit board(wiring substrate) F, and a controller CT. The display panel PNLcomprises a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, and a liquidcrystal layer LC disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and thesecond substrate SUB2 (for more details, see FIG. 3). Furthermore, thedisplay panel PNL includes a display area DA on which an image isdisplayed and a peripheral area (non-display area) SA located outsidethe display area DA. In the embodiments, the peripheral area SA isformed in a frame shape surrounding the display area DA.

The display panel PNL includes an end portion E1, an end portion E2located on a side opposite to the end portion E1 with respect to thedisplay area DA, an end portion E3, an end portion E4 located on a sideopposite to the end portion E3 with respect to the display area DA, andan end portion E5 located on a side opposite to the end portion E2 withrespect to the display area DA. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the endportions E1, E2, and E5 extend in the first direction X, and the endportions E3 and E4 extend in the second direction Y. Edge portions ofthe first substrate SUB1 and edge portions of the second substrate SUB2are aligned at the end portions E2, E3, and E4, respectively, in planarview.

The end portion E1 corresponds to the edge portion of the firstsubstrate SUB1. The end portion E5 corresponds to the edge portion ofthe second substrate SUB2. The end portion E5 is located on a sidecloser to the display area DA than to the end portion E1. The displaypanel PNL has a terminal area NA (or a non-opposition area) where thefirst substrate SUB1 is not opposed to the second substrate SUB2,between the end portions E1 and E5. The end portions E1, E2, E3, and E4correspond to four sides of the first substrate SUB1 shaped in a square.The end portions E2, E3, E4, and E5 correspond to four sides of thesecond substrate SUB2 shaped in a square.

In the first substrate SUB1, the end portion E3 is the first side, theend portion E4 is the second side, the end portion E1 is the third side,and the end portion E2 is the fourth side. In the second substrate SUB2,the end portion E3 is the fifth side, the end portion E4 is the sixthside, the end portion E5 is the seventh side, and the end portion E2 isthe eighth side.

The first substrate SUB1 has two corner portions (two first cornerportions) C1 located on the terminal area NA side, and two cornerportions (two second corner portions) C2. The corner portions C1 and C2are opposed on diagonal lines of the first substrate SUB1. One of thecorner portions C1 is located between the end portions E1 and E3, andthe other corner portion C1 is located between the end portions E1 andE4. One of the corner portions C2 is located between the end portions E2and E3, and the other corner portion C2 is located between the endportions E2 and E4.

The second substrate SUB2 has two corner portions (two third cornerportions) C3 located on the terminal area NA side, and two cornerportions (two fourth corner portions) C4. The corner portions C3 and C4are opposed on diagonal lines of the second substrate SUB2. One of thecorner portions C3 is located between the end portions E5 and E3, andthe other corner portion C3 is located between the end portions E5 andE4. One of the corner portions C4 is located between the end portions E2and E3, and the other corner portion C4 is located between the endportions E2 and E4. The corner portions C4 overlap the respectivelycorresponding corner portions C2 in planar view.

The display area DA is shaped in a square, having four sides and fourcorner portions (four fifth corner portions) C5. In the drawing, aone-dot-chained line represents an outer edge of the display area DA,and the outer edge includes the corner portions C5.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the corner portions C1 to C5 isrounded. For this reason, each of the corner portions C1 to C5 may becalled a round portion, a round corner, a curved portion or the like. Inthe embodiments, each of the corner portions C1 to C5 has an arcuateshape. However, the outer edge of each of the corner portions C1 to C5does not need to be in an arcuate shape, but may extend along the curve.The outer edges of the corner portions C1 and C2 form parts of anoutline of the first substrate SUB1, and the outer edges of the cornerportions C3 and C4 form parts of an outline of the second substrateSUB2.

The corner portion C1 is the first round corner (first curved portion),the corner portion C2 is the second round corner (second curvedportion), the corner portion C3 is the third round corner (third curvedportion), the corner portion C4 is the fourth round corner (fourthcurved portion), and the corner portion C5 is the fifth round corner(fifth curved portion).

The display panel PNL comprises scanning lines G and signal lines S, inthe display area DA. The scanning lines G extend in the first directionX, and are arranged in the second direction Y and spaced apart from eachother. The signal lines S extend in the second direction Y, and arearranged in the first direction X and spaced apart from each other.

Pixels PX arrayed in the first direction X and the second direction Yare located in the display area DA. The pixels PX correspond to areassurrounded by dashed lines in the figure. The pixels PX includesub-pixels SP different in color from one another. For example, thepixel PX includes a red sub-pixel SPR, a green sub-pixel SPG, and a bluesub-pixel SPB. However, the configuration of the pixel PX is not limitedto the configuration of the embodiments. For example, the pixel PX mayfurther include a white sub-pixel and the like. The sub-pixel is oftensimply called a pixel in the present disclosure.

Each of the sub-pixels SP comprises a switching element SW, a pixelelectrode PE, and a common electrode CE. For example, the commonelectrode CE is formed to extend across the sub-pixels SP and is sharedby the sub-pixels SP. The switching element SW is electrically connectedto the scanning line G, the signal line S, and the pixel electrode PE.

The display panel PNL comprises scanning line drivers GD1 and GD2 towhich the scanning lines G are connected, and a signal line driver SD towhich the signal lines S are connected, in the peripheral area SA. Thescanning line driver GD1 is disposed between the display area DA and theend portion E3, and the scanning line driver GD2 is disposed between thedisplay area DA and the end portion E4. The signal line driver SD isdisposed between the display portion DA and the end portion E5. Eitherof the scanning line drivers GD1 and GD2 may not be disposed.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the scanning line driver GD1 is providedin an area which is curved in an arcuate shape similarly to the cornerportion C5, at a position close to the corner portion C5 on the endportion E3 side. The scanning line driver GD2 is provided in an areawhich is curved in an arcuate shape similarly to the corner portion C5,at a position close to the corner portion C5 on the end portion E4 side.The signal line driver SD is provided in an area which is curved in anarcuate shape similarly to the corner portion C5, at a position close tothe corner portion C5 on the terminal area NA side. An end portion ofthe signal line driver SD at the position close to the lower left cornerportion C5 is located between the scanning line driver GD1 and thedisplay area DA. An end portion of the signal line driver SD at theposition close to the lower right corner portion C5 is located betweenthe scanning line driver GD2 and the display area DA.

The scanning line drivers GD1 and GD2 supply scanning signals to thescanning lines G to drive the scanning lines G. The signal line driverSD supplies the video signals to the signal lines S to drive the signallines S. If the scanning signal is supplied to the scanning line Gcorresponding to a certain switching element SW and the video signal issupplied to the signal line S connected to this switching element SW, avoltage corresponding to this video signal is applied to the pixelelectrode PE. In contrast, a voltage corresponding to a DC common signal(common voltage) is applied to the common electrode CE. At this time, analignment state of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystallayer LC is varied in accordance with the electric field generatedbetween the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. An image isdisplayed in the display area DA by this operation.

A connection terminal group T is provided along the end portion E1 inthe terminal area NA. The connection terminal group T includesconnection terminals aligned along the end portion E1. The circuit boardF is connected to the connection terminal group T. In the example shownin FIG. 1, the controller CT is mounted on the circuit board F. Thecontroller CT comprises a display driver R1 which controls the scanningline drivers GD1 and GD2 and the signal line driver SD, and a detectiondriver R2 for touch detection. Mounting the display driver R1 and thedetection driver R2 is not limited to the embodiments. For example, thedisplay driver R1 and the detection driver R2 may be mounted on thefirst substrate SUB1. In addition, the display driver R1 and thedetection driver R2 may be mounted on different members.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the display device DSP, illustrating aconfiguration example relating to the touch detecting function. Thedisplay device DSP comprises detection electrodes RX. The detectionelectrodes RX extend in the first direction X and are arranged in thesecond direction Y, in the display area DA. Furthermore, the commonelectrodes CE are disposed in the display area DA, in the example shownin FIG. 2. The common electrodes CE extend in the second direction Y andare arranged in the first direction X.

Each of the common electrodes CE comprises not only a function of theelectrode for image display, but also a function of the sensor electrodefor detecting an object close to the display area DA together with eachof the detection electrodes RX. In the embodiments, it is assumed thatthe common electrodes CE are disposed on the first substrate SUB1 andthe detection electrodes RX are disposed on the second substrate SUB2.However, a configuration where a sensor electrode different from thecommon electrode CE is provided may also be employed in the displaydevice DSP. In addition, arrangement of the detection electrodes RX andthe common electrodes CE (or sensor electrodes) can be modifiedvariously. For example, the detection electrodes RX may be arranged inthe first direction X and the common electrodes CE may be arranged inthe second direction Y. In addition, the common electrodes CE (or sensorelectrodes) may be provided on the second substrate SUB2. In addition,sensor electrodes different from the detection electrodes RX and thecommon electrodes CE may be provided on a transparent base disposed onthe display surface of the display panel PNL.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first substrate SUB1 comprises padsP and leads L1 which electrically connect the pads P to the connectionterminals of the connection terminal group T, in the peripheral area SA.The detection electrodes RX are electrically connected to the pads Pthrough connection holes H, respectively. The pads P are electricallyconnected to the connection terminals of the connection terminal group Tvia the leads L1. As shown in the figure, for example, odd-numbereddetection electrodes RX are connected to the pads P disposed between theend portion E3 and the display area DA, and even-numbered detectionelectrodes RX are connected to the pads P disposed between the endportion E4 and the display area DA.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel PNL seenalong line in FIG. 2. The first substrate SUB1 comprises a firstbasement 10 such as a glass substrate, a resin substrate or the like, afirst insulating layer 11, a second insulating layer 12, a thirdinsulating layer 13, a first alignment film AL1, and the above-explainedcommon electrodes CE and pixel electrodes PE. The first substrate SUB1also comprises the above-explained scanning lines G, signal lines S,switching elements SW, and the like, which are not illustrated in FIG.3.

The first insulating film 11 is disposed on the first basement 10. Thepads P and the leads L1 are disposed on the first insulating layer 11.The second insulating layer 12 covers the pads P and the leads L1. Thepads P and the leads L1 may be located on the same layer or differentlayers, though not described in detail. In addition, several parts ofthe leads L1 may be located on the same layer as the pads P.

The common electrodes CE are disposed on the second insulating layer 12.The third insulating layer 13 covers the common electrodes CE and thesecond insulating layer 12. The pixel electrodes PE are disposed on thethird insulating layer 13 and are opposed to the common electrodes CEvia the third insulating layer 13. The first alignment film AL1 coversthe pixel electrodes PE and the third insulating layer 13.

The second substrate SUB2 comprises a second basement 20 of a glasssubstrate, a resin substrate or the like, a light-shielding layer BM, acolor filter CF, an overcoat layer OC, and a second alignment film AL2.The light-shielding layer BM is located in the peripheral area SA anddisposed under the second basement 20. The color filter CF is located inat least the display area DA and disposed under the second basement 20and the light-shielding layer BM. The second substrate SUB2 may furthercomprise a light-shielding layer between the sub-pixels in the displayarea DA in addition to the light-shielding layer BM. The color filter CFincludes layers of colors corresponding to the sub-pixels SPR, SPG, andSPB. The overcoat layer OC covers the light-shielding layer BM and thecolor filter CF. The overcoat layer OC may be used as needed. The secondalignment film AL2 covers the overcoat layer OC. The color filter CF maybe disposed on the first substrate SUB1.

The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are bonded by asealing member SL located in the peripheral area SA. The liquid crystallayer LC is formed in a space surrounded by the first alignment filmAL1, the second alignment film AL2, and the sealing member SL.

The detection electrode RX is disposed on the second basement 20. Theconnection hole H penetrates the second basement 20, the light-shieldinglayer BM, the second alignment film AL2, the sealing member SL, thefirst alignment film AL1, the third insulating layer 13, and the secondinsulating layer 12. The connection hole H may further penetrate the padP. The connection hole H is, for example, tapered toward the pad P asshown in the figure but is not limited to this example. A conductiveconnecting member C is disposed inside the connection hole H. Thedetection electrode RX is electrically connected to the pad P via theconnecting member C.

The pixel electrodes PE and the common electrode CE can be formed of,for example, a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tinoxide). The detection electrode RX, the pad P, and the leads L1 can beformed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or a metalmaterial. When the detection electrode RX is formed of a metal material,for example, an electrode pattern in which thin metal wires in asingle-layer structure or a multilayer structure are disposed in a meshshape or a waveform can be employed.

The cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. 3 is a mere example andother various configurations can be employed in the display panel PNL.For example, the common electrodes CE may be disposed between the pixelelectrodes PE and the liquid crystal layer LC, disposed on the samelayer as the layer of the pixel electrodes PE, or disposed on the secondsubstrate SUB2. In addition, the first alignment film AL1 and the secondalignment film AL2 may not be disposed at the position of the connectionhole H.

In the above-explained configuration, a first capacitance is formedbetween the detection electrode RX and the common electrodes CE. Inaddition, if a conductive material or a conductive object such as auser's finger approaches the display area DA, a second capacitance isformed between the object and the detection electrode RX. The detectiondriver R2 supplies an alternating drive signal (second drive signal) forobject detection to the common electrode CE and drives the commonelectrode CE. At this time, the detection signal is output from thedetection electrode RX to the detection driver R2 via the firstcapacitance. This detection signal is varied in accordance with thepresence of the second capacitance and the value of the secondcapacitance. Therefore, the detection driver R2 can detect the presenceof the object approaching the detection electrode RX, the degree ofapproach of the object to the detection electrode RX, and a coordinateposition of the object in the display area DA, based on the detectionsignal.

The detection mode explained here is called, for example, mutualcapacitive sensing mode. However, the object detection is not onlylimited to the mutual capacitive sensing mode, but may also be selfcapacitive sensing mode. In the self capacitive sensing mode, the drivesignal is supplied to the detection electrode RX and the detectionsignal is read from the detection electrode RX, and the presence of theobject approaching the detection electrode RX, the degree of approach ofthe object to the detection electrode RX, and the coordinate position ofthe object in the display area DA can be detected, based on thedetection signal. In addition, in the self capacitive sensing mode, thedrive signal may be supplied to the common electrode CE and thedetection signal may be read from the common electrode CE.

Next, the configuration of the peripheral circuits (scanning line driverGD1 and GD2, signal line driver SD, and the like) disposed in theperipheral area SA will be explained.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the peripheralcircuits close to the lower left corner portion of the display panelPNL. The scanning line driver GD1 comprises shift register units 30 andbuffer units 40 which are connected to the respective shift registerunits 30 and which are connected to at least one scanning line G. Eachof the shift register units 30 constitutes a shift register whichcontrols timing for sequentially supplying the scanning signals to therespective scanning lines G. The buffer unit 40 includes at least onebuffer circuit 41. The buffer circuit 41 supplies scanning signals(scanning voltages) to the scanning lines G under control of the shiftregister units 30.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises a video line group VG including videolines V, in the peripheral area SA. The video line group VG is arrangedalong the signal line driver SD. Each of the video lines V constitutingthe video line group VG is electrically connected to the display driverR1 via the above-explained connection terminal group T and the circuitboard F. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the signal line driver SD isdisposed between the video line group VG and the display area DA.Furthermore, the video line group VG extends between the scanning linedriver GD1 and the signal line driver SD, in an area where the signalline driver SD is located between the scanning line driver GD1 and thedisplay area DA.

The signal line driver SD comprises selector units 50. Each of theselector units 50 includes at least one selector circuit 51 (selectorswitch). N video lines V and M signal lines S where M is more than N(M>N) are connected to the selector circuit 51. For example, N=2 andM=6. The selector circuit 51 switches the signal lines S connected tothe video lines V by time division. The video signal can be therebysupplied to each of the signal lines S by the video lines V whose numberis smaller than the number of the signal lines S disposed in the displayarea DA.

The lead L1 which connects the detection electrode RX to the connectionterminal group T is disposed along the edge portion of the firstsubstrate SUB1. The scanning line driver GD1, the signal line driver SD,and the video line group VG are located between the lead L1 and thedisplay area DA. The lead L1 is curved in an arcuate shape similarly tothe corner portion C1, at a position close to the corner portion C1. Inthe example shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the lead L1 and theouter edge of the first substrate SUB1 is entirely constant but may bepartially varied. For example, the distance between the lead L1 and theouter edge of the first substrate SUB1 at a position close to the cornerportion C1 may be increased toward the end portion E1.

The scanning line driver GD1 and the signal line driver SD are providedin an area curved along the corner portion C5, at positions close to thecorner portion C5 on the side of the terminal area NA of the displayarea DA. A part of the scanning line driver GD1 and a part of the signalline driver SD are provided along the outer edge of the lower leftcorner portion C5, and located on the side of the corner portion (lowerleft corner portion) C5 from extension line EL1 of a side EDA1 in theterminal area NA of the display area DA. In addition, a part of thescanning line driver GD1 and a part of the signal line driver SD arelocated on the side of the corner portion (lower left corner portion) C5from extension line EL2 of a side EDA2 in the display area DA which isthe closest to the end portion E3. In other words, a part of thescanning line driver GD1 and a part of the signal line driver SD arelocated in an area surrounded by the outer edge of the lower left cornerportion C5, the extension line EL1, and the extension line EL2.

Attention has been focused on the area close to the lower left cornerportion C5 in FIG. 4, but a relationship among the lower right cornerportion C5, a part of the scanning line driver GD2, and a part of thesignal line driver SD in the area close to the lower right cornerportion C5 is similar to the relationship explained above.

However, the relationship among the fifth corner portion C5 on theterminal area NA side, the scanning line driver GD, and the signal linedriver SD is not limited to the embodiments but can be variouslymodified. For example, the relationship among one of two fifth cornerportions C5 on the terminal area NA side, the scanning line driver GD,and the signal line driver SD may be the same as the above-explainedrelationship. In this case, a part of the scanning line driver GD and apart of the signal line driver SD are provided along the outer edge ofat least one of two fifth corner portions C5 on the terminal area NAside, located on the side of the fifth corner portion C5 from theextension line EL1, and located on the fifth corner portion C5 from theextension line EL2.

The number of the selector circuits 51 included in each of the selectorunits 50 is reduced in the selector unit 50 closer to the end portion ofthe signal line driver SD. The width of the selector unit 50 in thefirst direction X is reduced in the selector unit 50 closer to the endportion of the signal line driver SD.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the video line group VG is formed in astep shape where the portions extending in the first direction X and theportions extending in the second direction Y are alternately repeated,and one selector unit 50 is disposed at each step. However, a pluralityof selector units 50 may be disposed at each step. In addition, at leasta part of the video line group VG may extend in a direction whichintersects the first direction X and the second direction Y.

For example, attention will be focused on shift register units 30A, 30B,and 30C and buffer units 40A, 40B, and 40C connected to the shiftregister units, of the shift register units 30 and the buffer units 40.The shift register unit 30A is adjacent to the shift register unit 30B,and the shift register unit 30B is adjacent to the shift register unit30C. In addition, the buffer unit 40A is adjacent to the buffer unit40B, and the buffer unit 40B is adjacent to the buffer unit 40C.

An interval between the shift register unit 30A and the shift registerunit 30B in the first direction X is defined as dx11, an intervalbetween the shift register unit 30B and the shift register unit 30C inthe first direction X is defined as dx12, an interval between the shiftregister unit 30A and the shift register unit 30B in the seconddirection Y is defined as dy11, and an interval between the shiftregister unit 30B and the shift register unit 30C in the seconddirection Y is defined as dy12. In this case, in the example shown inFIG. 4, the interval dx11 and the interval dx12 are different from eachother. More specifically, the interval dx11 is zero since the intervaldx11 is smaller than the interval dx12 and the shift register units 30Aand 30B are not shifted in the first direction X. Furthermore, in theexample shown in FIG. 4, the interval dy11 and the interval dy12 aredifferent from each other. More specifically, the interval dy11 issmaller than the interval dy12. In the other example, the shift registerunits 30A, 30B, and 30C may be disposed such that dx11 is larger thandx12 or disposed such that dy11 is larger than or equal to dy12.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, an interval between the buffer units 40Aand 40B in the first direction X is different from an interval betweenthe buffer units 40B and 40C in the first direction X, similarly to theintervals dx11 and dx12. In addition, an interval between the bufferunits 40A and 40B in the second direction Y is different from aninterval between the buffer units 40B and 40C in the second direction Y,similarly to the intervals dy11 and dy12. The buffer units 40A, 40B, and40C are disposed in a step shape such that intervals to the outer edgeof the lower left corner portion C5 in the first direction X aresubstantially the same.

Furthermore, attention will be focused on, for example, the selectorunits 50A, 50B, and 50C of the selector units 50. The selector unit 50Ais adjacent to the selector unit 50B, and the selector unit 50B isadjacent to the selector unit 50C. The selector units 50A, 50B, and 50Care displaced from each other in the first direction X and the seconddirection Y. The selector unit 50A is located more closely to the sideof the end portion of the signal line driver SD than the selector unit50B, and the selector unit 50B is located more closely to the side ofthe end portion of the signal line driver SD than the selector unit 50C.A width of the selector unit 50A is smaller than a width of the selectorunit 50C, in the first direction X.

An interval between the selector unit 50A and the selector unit 50B inthe first direction X is defined as dx21, an interval between theselector unit 50B and the selector unit 50C in the first direction X isdefined as dx22, an interval between the selector unit 50A and theselector unit 50B in the second direction Y is defined as dy21, and aninterval between the selector unit 50B and the selector unit 50C in thesecond direction Y is defined as dy22.

In this case, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the interval dx21 and theinterval dx22 are different from each other. More specifically, theinterval dx21 is smaller than the interval dx22. In addition, in theexample shown in FIG. 4, the interval dy21 and the interval dy22approximately agree with each other. In the other example, the selectorunits 50A, 50B, and 50C may be disposed such that dx21 is larger than orequal to dx22 or disposed such that the interval dy21 is different fromthe interval dy22. The selector units 50A, 50B, and 50C are disposed ina step shape such that intervals to the outer edge of the lower leftcorner portion C5 in the second direction Y are substantially the same.

Thus, the scanning line driver GD1 of the layout curved in an arcuateshape along the corner portion C5 can be implemented by adjusting theintervals of the shift register units 30 and the buffer units 40 in thedirections X and Y at the positions close to the corner portion C5 onthe terminal area NA side. Similarly, the signal line driver SD of thelayout curved in an arcuate shape along the corner portion C5 can beimplemented by adjusting the intervals of the selector units 50 in thedirections X and Y, at the positions close to the corner portion C5 onthe terminal area NA side.

In the above explanations, the interval (dx11, dx12, dx21, dx22 or thelike) between two adjacent units in the first direction X corresponds tothe interval between the centers of the units in the first direction X.In addition, the interval (dy11, dy12, dy21, dy22 or the like) betweentwo adjacent units in the second direction Y corresponds to the intervalbetween the centers of the units in the second direction Y.

The configuration of the scanning line driver GD1 at a position close tothe upper left corner portion C5 in the display area DA shown in FIG. 1is the same as the configuration of the scanning line driver GD1 at aposition close to the lower left corner portion C5. In addition, theconfiguration of the scanning line driver GD (GD2), the signal linedriver SD, the video line group VG, and the lead L1 at positions closeto the lower right corner portion C5 in the display area DA is the sameas their configuration at positions close to the lower left cornerportion C5. Furthermore, the configuration of the scanning line driverGD2 at a position close to the upper right corner portion C5 in thedisplay area DA is the same as the configuration of the scanning linedriver GD1 at a position close to the upper left corner portion C5. Theconfiguration at positions close to four corner portions C5 in thedisplay area DA, of the peripheral area SA, is not limited to theexample explained here, but can be arbitrarily modified in considerationof the layout of the disposed circuits and lines.

Next, a concrete configuration example of the common electrode CE shownin FIG. 2 will be explained with reference to a plan view of FIG. 5. Themembers at positions close to the lower left corner portion C5 which isthe round portion will be explained here. Common electrodes CE0, CE1,CE2, CE3, . . . are arranged in this order in the first direction X andextend in the second direction Y. In the example illustrated, the commonelectrodes CE0 and CE3 are wider than the common electrodes CE1 and CE2and, for example, a width W0 of the common electrode CE0 in the firstdirection X is approximately twice as large as a width W1 of the commonelectrode CE1. In the sensor function capable of switching the mutualcapacitive sensing mode and the self-capacitive sensing mode, centers ofsensors in both of the modes can be made to agree with each other andunbalance of capacitance of common electrodes can be improved in theself-capacitive sensing mode, by employing the common electrodes havingthe above widths, though not described in detail.

A switch unit 60 is connected to the common electrode CE0, a switch unit61 is connected to the common electrode CE1, a switch unit 62 isconnected to the common electrode CE2, and a switch unit 63 is connectedto the common electrode CE3. The switch units including the switch units60 to 63 compose a sensor electrode driver SED which drives commonelectrodes (sensor electrodes) CE. Each of the switch units 60 to 63 issurrounded by a dashed line in the figure. The switch units 60 to 63selectively supply first drive signals or second drive signals to thecommon electrodes connected to the respective switch units. The seconddrive signal is different from the first drive signal. For example, thefirst drive signal is a DC common signal necessary to display the imagesin the display area DA. In addition, the second drive signal is an ACdrive signal necessary for object detection.

Each of the common electrodes CE0, CE1, and CE2 comprises an outer edgehaving a step shape along the corner portion C5. As explained above, apart of the scanning line driver GD1 is provided in the area curvedalong the corner portion C5 and supplies the scanning signal to thescanning line G at a position close to the side EDA1, in the displayarea DA. All of the switch units are disposed in areas different fromthe scanning line driver GD1. For this reason, the common electrode CE0and the switch unit 60 cannot be arranged in the second direction Y, andthe scanning line driver GD1 and the common electrode CE0 are arrangedin the second direction Y. The common electrode CE1 and the switch unit60 are arranged in the second direction Y and, similarly, the commonelectrode CE2 and the switch unit 61 are arranged in the seconddirection Y. In addition, a part of the switch unit 62 and the commonelectrode CE2 are arranged in the second direction Y, and the otherparts of the switch unit 62 and the common electrode CE3 are arranged inthe second direction Y. Most parts of the switch unit 63 and the commonelectrode CE3 are arranged in the second direction Y.

Explanations will be focused on the switch units 61 and 62. The switchunit 61 comprises switch circuits 611, 612, . . . arranged in the seconddirection Y. The switch unit 62 comprises switch circuits 621, 622, . .. arranged in the first direction X. In the switch unit 62, the switchcircuits 621 to 623 and the common electrode CE2 are arranged in thesecond direction Y. A circuit group of the switch circuits 624 and 625and the common electrode CE3 are arranged in the second direction Y. Theconfigurations and the functions of the switch circuits aresubstantially the same. Each of the switch circuits is represented byupward-sloping hatch lines in the figure. As regards intervals between asealing member SL and the lower left corner portion C5 in the seconddirection Y, an interval W61 including an area where the switch unit 61is disposed is larger than an interval W62 including an area where theswitch unit 62 is disposed. For this reason, the switch unit 61 issuitable for arrangement of the switch circuits in the second directionY.

Portions represented by the downward-sloping hatch lines in the figurecorrespond to the selector circuits 51. The video lines V are connectedto the selector circuits 51, respectively. The selector circuits 51 andthe video lines V do not overlap any common electrodes. In other words,the common electrodes CE0 to CE3 extend to not only the display area DA,but also the peripheral area SA, but do not extend to the side closer tothe sealing member SL than to the position overlapping the selectorcircuit 51 disposed in the peripheral area SA. For this reason, thecommon electrodes CE0 to CE3 do not overlap the video line V located onthe side closer to the sealing member SL than to the selector circuit51, and suppress undesired capacitance formation between the video lineV and the common electrodes.

In the example illustrated, the switch units 60 and 61 do not intersectany video lines V. The switch unit 62 intersects the video line V. Forexample, when attention is focused on the selector circuit adjacent tothe common electrode CE2, the selector circuit 51A is located betweenthe switch unit 61 and the common electrode CE2. A video line VAconnected to the selector circuit 51A is located between the switchunits 61 and 62. A selector circuit 51B is located between the switchunit 62 and the common electrode CE2. A video line VB connected to theselector circuit 51B is located between the switch circuits 621 and 622of the switch unit 62.

Next, a cross-sectional structure of the display panel PNL will beexplained. A cross-sectional structure of the display panel PNL in theterminal area NA will be explained particularly. FIG. 6 is across-sectional view showing parts of the display device DSP seen alongline VI-VI in FIG. 2, illustrating the terminal area NA, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 6, the connection terminal T1 of the connectionterminal group T includes a first layer CL1, a second layer CL2, a thirdlayer CL3, and a fourth layer CL4 and has a stacked structure. Inaddition, the first insulating layer 11 includes an insulating layer 11a and an insulating layer 11 b. A semiconductor layer of the switchingelement SW is located between the first basement 10 and the insulatinglayer 11 a. The scanning lines G and the first layer CL1 are locatedbetween the insulating layers 11 a and 11 b. For this reason, thescanning lines G and the first layer CL1 can be formed of the samematerial, simultaneously.

The signal lines S and the second layer CL2 are located between theinsulating layer lib and the second insulating layer 12. For thisreason, the signal lines S and the second layer CL2 can be formed of thesame material, simultaneously. The second layer CL2 is in contact withthe first layer CL1 through a contact hole formed in the insulatinglayer 11 b. The second layer CL2 forms a part of the connection terminalT1.

The second insulating layer 12 is provided except the area for formationof the connection terminal group T. The common electrode CE is locatedon the second insulating layer 12, and the third layer CL3 is located onthe second insulating layer 12 and the second layer CL2. The third layerCL3 is in contact with the second layer CL2. The common electrode CE andthe third layer CL3 can be formed of the same material, simultaneously.A metal layer M1 is located on the common electrode CE. The metal layerM2 is located on the second insulating film 12 and is in contact withthe second layer CL2 through the contact hole formed in the secondinsulating film 12. The metal layers M1 and M2 can be formed of the samematerial, simultaneously. In the present embodiment, the metal layers M1and M2 are formed integrally.

The third insulating layer 13 is provided except the area for formationof the connection terminal group T. The pixel electrode PE is located onthe third insulating layer 13, and the fourth layer CL4 is located onthe third layer CL3 and is in contact with the third layer CL3. Thepixel electrode PE and the fourth layer CL4 can be formed of the samematerial, simultaneously.

An insulating layer IL is formed on the second basement 20 and thedetection electrode RX to cover the detection electrode RX.

The circuit board F is mounted in the terminal area NA of the firstsubstrate SUB1 via the anisotropically conductive film 8 which is formedof the conductive material. The circuit board F comprises a coresubstrate 200, and a connection wiring 100 disposed on a lower surfaceside of the core substrate 200.

A first optical element OD1 including a polarizer is disposed under thefirst basement 10. A second optical element OD2 including a polarizer islocated on the insulating layer IL. Each of the first optical elementOD1 and the second optical element OD2 may include a retardation film asneeded.

Next, the scanning lines G will be explained. FIG. 7 is a plan viewshowing the scanning lines G and the buffer circuits 41.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lengths of the scanning lines G are irregular inthe display area DA since the display area DA includes the round cornerportion C5. Thus, the scanning lines G are longer in the peripheral areaSA as the scanning lines G are shorter in the display area DA. In otherwords, lengths LE of the scanning lines G from the buffer circuits 41 tothe display area DA are larger as the scanning lines G are shorter inthe display area DA.

The lengths LEa1, LEa2, and LEa3 are different from one another in thescanning lines G at positions close to the lower left corner portion C5in the display area DA of the peripheral area SA. The length LEa1 is alength of the scanning line G from the buffer circuit 41 to the sideEDA2, and is shorter than any one of the lengths LEa2 and LEa3(LEa1<LEa2, LEa1<LEa3). Each of the lengths LEa2 and LEa3 is equal to alength from the buffer circuit 41 to the outer edge of the cornerportion C5. The scanning line G having the length LEa3 is located moreclosely to the side EDA1 side than the scanning line G having the lengthLEa2. For this reason, the length LEa3 is larger than the length LEa2(LEa3>LEa2).

The above-mentioned matter is applied to the scanning line G close tothe lower right corner portion C5, the scanning line G close to theupper left corner portion C5, and the scanning line G close to the upperright corner portion C5, in the display area DA of the peripheral areaSA. For example, LEb1 is shorter than LEb2, and LEb2 is shorter thanLEb3, in the scanning lines G close to the lower right corner portion C5in the peripheral area SA.

Irregularity in loads on the scanning lines G can be reduced based onthe above-mentioned matters.

Next, the first substrate SUB1 including the scanning line drivers GD1and GD2, the signal line driver SD, and the sensor electrode driver SED,and the second substrate SUB2 including the light-shielding layer BMwill be explained. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the display panel PNL.

As shown in FIG. 8, an outer edge of the lower right corner portion C3is located at a position more close to the display area DA side than anouter edge of the lower right corner portion C1. Similarly, an outeredge of the lower left corner portion C3 is located at a position moreclose to the display area DA side than an outer edge of the lower leftcorner portion C1. Outer edges of the corner portions C4 overlap outeredges of the corresponding corner portions C2, respectively, in planarview.

Each of the corner portions C1 and C2 of the first substrate SUB1 andthe corner portions C4 of the second substrate SUB2 has a radius ofcurvature RA1. It is needless to say that the radius of curvature of thecorner portions C2 and the radius of curvature of the corner portions C4are the same. Each of the corner portions C3 of the second substrateSUB2 has a radius of curvature RA2. Each of the corner portions C5 ofthe display area DA has a radius of curvature RA3. The radii ofcurvature RA1, RA2, and RA3 are different from one another. For example,in the above-mentioned radii of curvature, the radius of curvature RA1is the largest and the radius of curvature RA2 is the smallest(RA1>RA3>RA2). The radius of curvature of the corner portion C3 isshorter than that of each of the corner portions C1, C2, and C4. Forexample, RA1 is 5.7 mm, RA2 is 4.7 mm, and RA3 is 5.0 mm. However, therelationship among the corner portions C1 to C5 is not limited to thatin this example.

The light-shielding layer BM has a frame shape and is provided in theperipheral area SA on the outside of the display area DA. An inner edgeof the light-shielding layer BM forms a boundary between the displayarea DA and the peripheral area SA. The scanning line drivers GD1 andGD2, the signal line driver SD, and the sensor electrode driver SED, arelocated in the peripheral area SA and covered with the light-shieldinglayer BM. The sensor electrode driver SED is partially opposed to theouter edges of two corner portions C5 on the terminal area NA side. Thesensor electrode driver SED may be partially opposed to the outer edgeof at least one of two corner portions C5 on the terminal area NA side.

The light-shielding layer BM includes four extending portions BM1, BM2,BM3, and BM4 which extend along four sides of the display area DA. Theextending portion BM1 is located between the display area DA and the endportion E5, extends in the first direction X, and has a width WI1. Theextending portion BM2 is located between the display area DA and the endportion E2, extends in the first direction X, and has a width WI2. Theextending portion BM3 is located between the display area DA and the endportion E3, extends in the second direction Y, and has a width WI3. Theextending portion BM4 is located between the display area DA and the endportion E4, extends in the second direction Y, and has a width WI4. Theterminal area NA has a width WI5.

The widths WI3 and WI4 are widths in the first direction X, and thewidths WI′, WI2, and WI5 are widths in the second direction Y. The widthWI1 of the extending portion BM1 is larger than the width WI5 of theterminal area NA (WI1>WI5). For example, a width between the cornerportions C5 and C3 of the light-shielding layer BM is larger than awidth between the corner portions C3 and C1 of the terminal area NA. Thewidth WI1 may be larger than the width WI2. For example, the widthbetween the corner portions C5 and C3 may be larger than a width betweenthe corner portion C4 and the display area DA (corner portion C5).

Each of the widths WI3 and WI4 of two extending portions BM3 and BM4that extend in a direction intersecting the direction of extension ofthe terminal area NA is larger than the width WI5 of the terminal areaNA (WI3>WI5, WI4>WI5). The width WI1 of the extending portion BM1 islarger than any one of the widths WI3 and WI4 of two extending portionsBM3 and BM4 (WI1>WI3, WI1>WI4). For example, WI1 is 0.9 mm, each of WI2,WI3, and WI4 is 0.7 mm, and WI5 is 0.6 mm. However, the relationshipamong the widths WI1 to WI5 is not limited to that in this example.

Next, a manufacturing method for obtaining outlines of the firstsubstrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 will be explained.

When manufacturing the display panel PNL, a first motherboard includingthe first substrates SUB1 and a second motherboard including the secondsubstrates SUB2 are prepared, and the first motherboard and the secondmotherboard are bonded such that the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2 are opposed in one-on-one relationship. After that, thefirst motherboard and the second motherboard are mechanically cut with acutter. Thus, the display panels PNL can be cut from the assembly of thefirst motherboard and the second motherboard and the outer shapes of thedisplay panels PNL can be adjusted.

The outlines of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2can be adjusted by a single stroke with a cutter. This is because in thefirst substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2, the linear endportions E are not directly joined, but the linear end portions E aredirectly joined to the round corner portions C. In other words, this isbecause the outlines of the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2 can be obtained without turning the orientation of acutter blade at ninety degrees and abutting the cutter blade on thesubstrates again.

In addition, an orbit of cutting with the cutter to obtain the outlineof the second substrate SUB2 does not intersect an orbit of cutting withthe cutter to obtain the outline of the first substrate SUB1. For thisreason, the display panel PNL of high manufacturing yield can beobtained as compared with a case where the orbits intersect.

According to the embodiments, as described above, the display devicecapable of narrowing the frame can be provided.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a first substrateincluding a display area, a terminal area located outside the displayarea, a first side extending in a first direction, and a third sideextending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and asecond substrate opposed to the first substrate and including a fifthside extending along the first side and a seventh side extending in thesecond direction, wherein the terminal area is sandwiched between thethird side and the seventh side, the first substrate includes a firstround corner between the first side and the third side, the secondsubstrate includes a third round corner between the fifth side and theseventh side, and a radius of curvature of the third round corner issmaller than a radius of curvature of the first round corner.
 2. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein the second substrate includes alight-shielding film around the display area, and an edge of thelight-shielding film on the display area side includes a fifth roundcorner opposed to the first round corner.
 3. The display device of claim1, wherein the first substrate includes a second side opposed to thefirst side, a fourth side opposed to the third side, and a second roundcorner located between the first side and the fourth side, the secondsubstrate includes a sixth side opposed to the fifth side, an eighthside opposed to the seventh side, and a fourth round corner locatedbetween the fifth side and the eighth side, a radius of curvature of thesecond round corner is equal to a radius of curvature of the fourthround corner, and an outer edge of the fourth round corner overlaps anouter edge of the corresponding second round corner, in planar view. 4.The display device of claim 3, wherein the radius of curvature of thethird round corner is smaller than the radius of curvature of the fourthround corner.
 5. The display device of claim 3, wherein the secondsubstrate includes a light-shielding film around the display area, anedge of the light-shielding film on the display area side includes afifth round corner opposed to the first round corner, and the radius ofcurvature of the fifth round corner is smaller than the radius ofcurvature of the fourth round corner.
 6. A display device, comprising: afirst substrate including a display area, a terminal area locatedoutside the display area, and four sides; and a second substrate beingopposed to the first substrate and including four sides, wherein thefirst substrate includes a first curved portion between linear portionsof adjacent two sides, the second substrate includes a third curvedportion between linear portions of adjacent two sides, one of the linearportions of the first substrate overlaps one of the linear portions ofthe second substrate, the terminal area is located between the otherlinear portion of the first substrate and the other linear portion ofthe second substrate, and the third curved portion is shorter than thefirst curved portion.
 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein alight-shielding layer is formed around the display area, and an edge ofthe light-shielding layer on the display area side includes a fifthcurved portion opposed to the third curved portion.
 8. The displaydevice of claim 6, wherein the first substrate includes a second curvedportion opposed to the first curved portion on a diagonal line, thesecond substrate includes a fourth curved portion opposed to the thirdcurved portion on a diagonal line, and the fourth curved portionoverlaps the second curved portion in planar view.
 9. The display deviceof claim 7, wherein a width between the fifth curved portion and thethird curved portion in the light-shielding layer is larger than a widthbetween the third curved portion and the first curved portion in theterminal area.
 10. The display device of claim 7, wherein the secondsubstrate includes a fourth curved portion opposed to the third curvedportion on a diagonal line, and a width between the fifth curved portionand the third curved portion is larger than a width between the fourthcurved portion and the display area.
 11. The display device of claim 7,wherein the first substrate further includes scanning lines and signallines in the display area, a scanning line driver located outside thedisplay area to drive the scanning lines, and a signal line driverlocated outside the display area to drive the signal lines, and a partof the scanning line driver and a part of the signal line driver arelocated between the fifth curved portion and the third curved portion.12. The display device of claim 7, wherein the first substrate furtherincludes sensor electrodes in the display area and a sensor electrodedriver driving the sensor electrodes, and a part of the sensor electrodedriver is opposed to the fifth curved portion and is covered with thelight-shielding layer.